Inventek and Broadcom to hold a series of IoT seminars in 2015. On the Wi-Fi side of connectivity, Broadcom also provides a full-featured Eclipse-based SDK/Development Kit. Additionally, Broadcom is leading the way with Apple MFi HomeKit ready and Universal Bluetooth Smart to WLAN combo chip designs, all of which allow the developers to create secure embedded wireless networking applications on an existing microcontroller, or on an additional WICED module that includes a microcontroller.

The BCM4334X is a single–chip integrated quad radio (WLAN/BT 4.1/FM/& Near Field Communications [NFC], with integrated low noise amplifiers (LNAs) and a transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) switch which offers a level of integration that greatly reduces the external part count, PCB footprint, and overall cost of the embedded wireless solution.

Broadcom has partnered with Inventek Systems, www.inventeksys.com, to deliver the first production modules based on the highly anticipated and very integrated BCM4334X offering. Broadcom is also working with Inventek to deliver complete turnkey hardware solutions of different form factors to readily enable Wi-Fi, BLE and NFC connectivity in system design. Inventek also offers IWIN (Inventek Wireless Interoperability Network), firmware, a very compelling and user friendly FW protocol to ensure maximum optimization and seamless integration of WICED. In addition, Inventek also provides customers Cloud-ready Agent FW, IWINC (Inventek Wireless Interoperability Network for Clouds) to enable IoT platforms to seamless connect to target Cloud Owners and/or Providers.

Objective:

During this session attendees will receive an overview of Broadcom’s WICED Smart and WICED Wi-Fi IoT solutions, including a glimpse into the Roadmap for these products. In addition, hands-on demos will be provided which include detailed technical discussion on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy software and hardware topics which affect today’s embedded IoT developer.

Agenda:

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lunch will be provided

1:00pm – 3:30pm – (Inventek/Broadcom)

Overview of Broadcom’s current WICED Wi-Fi development environment including a WICED Wi-Fi roadmap

Wi-Fi Overview including design challenges and cloud integration

Overview of the Inventek product offering included detailed discussion of both their interoperability (IWIN) and Cloud Agent (IWINC) firmware

Demo of the eS-WiFi AT Command Set

BCM43341 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Combo Chip Overview

Introduction to the Inventek ISM43340 Module

Wi-Fi to BLE Bridge Demo using the Inventek USB based BCM4334X Development Kit

Inventek Systems announced a four function wireless combo module that provides the highest level of integration available for an IoT device. It includes a dual band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n single stream, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Bluetooth 4.0 and Near Field Communications (NFC).

The module is based on Broadcom’s BCM43341, Quad combo IC and the radios can operate simultaneously. There is time domain multiplexing so Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are not transmitting simultaneously, although to the user it looks that way.

Inventek provides Linux drivers for the following processor platforms.

Martin Tierney, Chief Executive Officer at Inventek Systems, expressed his enthusiasm for this family of products: “ The IoT customer applications are extremely exciting with respect to this product rollout. The possibilities of using this cell phone technology, targeted at the IoT market is very interesting and compelling. For example, a medical device can read a Tag over NFC, monitor a sensor over BLE and connect to a cloud or smart phone over Wi-Fi.”

Product is sampling today and production in March 2015. This product is targeted at higher volume OEM customer. Contact Inventek Systems for information and support at sales@inventeksys.com or call us at 978-667-1962

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced that American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) (NASDAQ:ASEI) has selected the Broadcom Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED™) Wi-Fi technology as the connectivity component for the world’s first handheld Z Backscatter® imaging system. Broadcom’s WICED platform provides original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with a complete simplified implementation of wireless connectivity resulting in faster time-to-market for a broad range of Internet of Things (IoT) innovations. For more news, visit Broadcom’sNewsroom or join the conversation on theWICED community site.

The evolution of the IoT is driving significant growth and opportunities in a variety of end market segments and analysts expect revenues from the burgeoning market to reach $8.9T by 20201. According to IDC, the enabler for increased growth is the pervasiveness of wireless connectivity and ubiquitous access to the Internet, regardless of location.

“The MINI Z™ system represents an entirely new class of product for the detection industry, an effective, lightweight scanner that — for the first time — enables security, customs, and public safety officials to quickly determine if threats or contraband are present in hard-to-reach environments, such as the interior of cars, aircraft and watercraft.” said Joe Reiss, AS&E Vice President of Product Management. “Broadcom’s WICED technology provided the complete development platform we required to get to market quickly with this ground-breaking, innovative new product.”

“As the IoT ecosystem continues to evolve, we are seeing rapid adoption of our turnkey WICED technology in a number of emerging market segments including connected appliances, smart energy systems and cloud-based health and home management services,” said Brian Bedrosian, Broadcom Senior Director, Wireless Connectivity. “Broadcom’s implementation into the MINI Z demonstrates the wide range of applications enabled by the WICED platform.”

The MINI Z handheld X-ray detection system is a portable, single-sided imaging system that can be used to scan objects in hard-to-reach areas such as unattended bags, backpacks, or packages in a subway or bus with no set up required. It uses AS&E’s signature Z Backscatter technology, an advanced X-ray imaging technology that detects and highlights the organic materials that transmission X-ray systems can miss, such as plastic guns, ceramic knives, explosives, and drugs. The device provides a real-time, easy-to-interpret image of its target on a tablet screen using Z Backscatter technology and Broadcom’s WICED Wi-Fi module for a wireless connection to the scanner. The MINI Z is the first portable screen implementation based on the WICED platform. For more information visit www.meetminiz.com.

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments. With the industry’s broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®. For more information, go to www.broadcom.com.

Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything® and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Al Serpa, CMO & Co-Founder at Inventek Systems, stated that, “the partnership with Macnica Americas will enable Inventek to leverage one of the most technical organizations available in distribution. The combination of Macnica’s applications engineering expertise and Inventek’s connectivity portfolio will enable customers to seamless ramp their platforms to market with cost effective, leading edge technology, services and support.”
“We are pleased to be able to offer Inventek wireless products to our customers,” said John Burton, President of Macnica Americas. “Inventek’s solutions help us support our customer’s goal of getting their IoT designs done quickly and efficiently.”

ABOUT MACNICA AMERICAS: Macnica Americas is a fully franchised semiconductor distributor covering North America with expertise in design services, IP, applications support, and logistics. We are a division of Macnica Inc, a $2.4B global leader in semiconductor distribution and design services. The Macnica Americas IP portfolio includes solutions for high speed networking, broadcast video, DSP and embedded applications. Find out more about Macnica Americas products and design services at www.macnica-na.com.

Inventek System’s eS-WiFi firmware release C2.4 adds several exciting features plus a full complement of AT Commands simplifying the design and implementation of secure embedded wireless networking connectivity.

Inventek Systems released a software feature for the Broadcom Embedded WiFi development platform (WICED™ SDK) that will allow customers to use its eS-WiFi serial-to-WiFi modules and development kits for their hardware development platform.

Broadcom’s Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) platform eases development effort and simplifies the implementation of Wi-Fi connectivity in an array of consumer devices, especially those with no current networking support. Inventek Systems now offers a family of serial-to-WiFi modules and development kits (eS-WiFi™ family) that support Broadcom Corporation’s WICED™ platform. The first two development kits to support this platform are the ISM4319-WICED-E and ISM43362-WICED-E. Future Inventek modules targeted for the M2M (Machine-to-Machine) and IoT (Internet-of-Things) marketplace will also be designed to be compatible with this development platform.

In addition to the WICED platform, Inventek also offers the option of using an easy-to-use high level AT Command Set for controlling all WiFi functions. Inventek’s eS-WiFi software builds upon the WICED platform by adding another step in integration and ease of design-in. These AT Commands allow the use of simple instructions to establish connectivity and configure the module as a client, access point and web server. Over 100 commands are now available and include a broad list of basic and advanced commands (e.g. Find, Scan, Join, Send, Receive, Run SoftAP, Run Webserver, Run Direct Connect Mode, Run SSL Mode, Run Pass-Through Mode, etc.). When using Inventek’s AT Command Set, a low cost system microcomputer is used to send commands to the eS-WiFi module over a serial interface (UART, SPI or USB). When using Broadcom’s WICED platform, the on-board microcomputer is used for both the WICED firmware and system program. In either case, the module hardware is identical and consists of a Broadcom® BCM43XX single chip wireless LAN MAC/baseband/radio, embedded Cortex M3 Microcomputer and an integrated antenna (or U.FL option). The module is 14.5 mm x 30 mm in size with a 44 LGA footprint. FCC Certification is in process.

The WICED™ Development system and eS-WiFi firmware enables Wi-Fi connectivity for a host of new and growing applications such as:

Feb. 13, 2013 – As the adoption rate of embedded Wi-Fi continues to surge, Inventek Systems is enabling this connectivity trend by offering FCC certified, easily integrated serial-to-WiFi modules that only require simple AT Commands for programming. The module is an ideal solution for manufacturers who are looking to add wireless connectivity to their products but do not have extensive WiFi and RF experience.
The ISM43362-M3G-

L44 is enabled with Broadcom Corporation’s Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICEDTM) architecture. http://www.broadcom.com/support/wiced/ It supports 802.11 b,g,n Wi-Fi connectivity and can be configured by sending simple commands over the serial host interface (UART, SPI or USB). The simple- to- use AT Command Set significantly reduces the development and integration effort for design engineers to add WiFi connectivity to their products.The ISM43362-M3G-L44 module hardware includes the Broadcom BCM43362 IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi System-on-Chip (SOC) component and STMicroelectronics 32-bit ARM Cortex M3 microcontroller. This STM32 microcontroller hosts the networking application software including the TCP/IP network stack and Inventek’s customized AT Command set firmware.Inventek Systems offers a family of serial-to-WiFi modules (eS-WiFi™ family) that support Broadcom Corporation’s WICED™ platform. The option is available to use either Inventek’s AT Command Set firmware or Broadcom’s WICED APIs. When using Inventek’s AT Command Set, a low cost system microcomputer is used to send commands to the eS-WiFi module over a serial interface (UART, SPI or USB). When using Broadcom’s WICED platform, the on-board microcomputer is used for both the WICED firmware and system program. In either case, the module hardware is identical and consists of a Broadcom BCM43XX single chip wireless radio, embedded Cortex M3 Microcomputer and integrated antenna (or U.FL option) all on a 14.5mm x 30mm module with 44 LGA footprint or USB dongle.Inventek’s eS-WiFi modules build upon the WICED platform by adding another step in integration and ease of design-in. These AT Commands allow the use of simple instructions to establish connectivity and configure the module as a client, Access Point or web server and to send and receive data. Over 100 commands are now available and include a broad list of basic and advanced commands (e.g. Find, Scan, Join, Send, Receive, Run SoftAP, Direct Connect Mode, SSL Mode, etc.).The ISM43362-M3G-L44 eS-WiFi module development kits are available now from Arrow (www.arrow.com ) for $199. In volume production, the module is priced in the low to mid teens. For more information, please visit www.inventeksys.com.

Texim-Europe will distribute Inventek System’s portfolio of high-performance, low-power, Broadcom-based Wi-Fi modules offering an FCC/CE certified Wi-Fi solution with simple embedded serial-to-WiFi connectivity. With an on-board microcomputer running the networking protocols including the TCP/IP stack, seamless connectivity is accomplished using simple AT Commands. Inventek’s Wi-Fi modules are an ideal solution for manufacturers who are looking to add wireless connectivity to their products but do not have extensive Wi-Fi and RF experience. The adoption rate of Wi-Fi embedded connectivity is surging and includes applications such as home appliances, healthcare equipment, industrial control and cloud based services.

Texim-Europe will also distribute Inventek System’s line of compact global positioning system (GPS) modules based on CSR/SiRFstarIV GPS technology. These modules offer industry-leading size, sensitivity, low-power and fast location-fix performance. The module family is optimized for size and battery constrained applications and are offered with and without an integrated ceramic patch antenna.

“Texim-Europe’s world-class sales and engineering expertise give us an important sales channel for servicing the European marketplace at a critical stage of our growth. Their focus on embedded systems and wireless communication is a perfect match for our product lines. With the rapidly expanding demand for embedded Wi-Fi and GPS solutions, we look forward to jointly supporting and expanding our penetration into the European market with the Texim-Europe team.” said Martin Tierney, Chief Executive Officer for Inventek Systems.

“Texim-Europe is focused on providing connectivity services and solutions for the rapidly growing M2M / IoT systems market. Inventek Systems provides our customer base with a fast and easy way to embed WiFi connectivity and GPS capability into their products using leading edge technology from Broadcom and CSR/SiRF.”, said Helmoed Gasthuis, Sales and Marketing Manager for Texim-Europe.

About Texim-Europe

Having started its first activities back in 1962, Texim Europe has gained massive experience in Electronic Components and Sub-systems Distribution and is now present in the Benelux, Germany, Austria, UK and in the Nordic area. Texim Europe has rapidly become the reliable Technology and Supply Chain Solution Provider of choice for customers developing & producing Electronic Applications.

The head office and State-of-the-Art Logistics Centre is located in Haaksbergen, the Netherlands from which customers in every part of the World are served. Texim Europe is part of TKH Group NV, a 1 Billion euro Dutch public company, with a strong position in the Telecom, Building and Industrial Solutions market segments.

Inventek Systems products are used in a wide range of consumer, industrial, and defense based applications. Inventek’s eS-WiFi and GPS products are enabling customers around the world to add WiFi connectivity and GPS features at a quickening pace with minimal design effort.

The eS-WiFi family of module products has a powerful built in SoftAP function that allows customers to easily command the eS-WiFi module to join a network for the growing number of machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications in the home and in the enterprise. The SoftAP function can also be used as well for setting up setup peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and applications such as On-the-Go gaming. The module’s infrastructure mode AP allows both iOS and Android based devices to easily

The eS-WiFi modules are wireless LAN modules that are typically embedded into devices/appliances that connect to home networks, Wi-Fi hot spots, and workplace networks. These devices operate as a station (STA) which can connect to a single wireless router/access point (AP) that is typically hardwired at a fixed location.

The eS-WiFi family of 802.11 b/g/n modules have an embedded microcontroller running a fully integrated TCP/IP stack and a simple to use AT command set. One of the features described in this application note is the implementation of a Soft Access Point (SoftAP) technology which enables an eS-WiFi module to behave like a wireless AP.

SoftAP Overview

The Inventek eS-WiFi modules are offered with a complete TCP/IP stack and require only a simple AT command over the USB, UART or SPI interface to communicate with the module. In a typical embedded application, a simple 8/16/32 bit microcontroller is used to send the AT command to initiate a SoftAP. Once the AP is started other devices (users) can join the network and be connected as a client on that network.

Use cases of the SoftAP:

Use Case 1: Joining a Local Area Network using the SoftAP

You have an embedded product and you want to configure that product to join a network (See Figure 1). One way, to make this happen, is to have the eS-WiFi automatically power up as an Access Point. The user can use a PC, tablet or any smartphone to view the AP and type in the SSID and Password. After the user, selects “Join” the Access Point is closed and the eS-WiFi module subsequently turns off the AP and joins the network as a client.

Following is the procedure required to implement this use case:

Use the “A0” command to activate the SoftAP:

i. Access Point is activated.

ii. DHCP is activated.

iii. Web server is activated.

iv. DNS is activated.

Select “ Join” on the Webpage to connect the eS-WiFi module to the selected network:

i. Access Point shuts down.

ii. DHCP shuts down.

iii. DNS shuts down.

The module has now joined the selected network as a client/appliance device.

SoftAP screen shots:

Note: There is also an AT command for changing the name of the Configuration Access Point to identify a specific customer product name or company name, e.g. change “Inventek” to “ABC Corp.”

The user also has the ability to manually enter the information to join a network as well.

SoftAP Manual Join screen shots:

Use Case 2: Direct Connection to the SoftAP

You have embedded the eS-WiFi module into a printer system or interface box and configured it as a SoftAP that allows smartphones/ PC’s and other devices to make a “Direct Connection” via the eS-WiFi SoftAP function (See Figure 2). The SoftAP enables file transfers, file sharing, printing, and information exchange between as many as 8 clients (STAs). This is all accomplished without the use of a fixed AP.

One way to facilitate this senario is to have the eS-WiFi automatically power up as a SoftAP that a user can view using a PC or any smartphone and selects “Direct Connect” on the eS-WiFi SoftAP web server. As soon as the user selects “Direct Connect” the Access Point remains running and the client (STA) is connected to the eS-WiFi SoftAP. This allows WLAN devices to easily connect without the need for a fixed AP and supports WiFi M2M communication and ON-The-GO connections for printing and file sharing.

Figure 2: Use Case 2 – Running eS-WiFi module as SoftAP

Following is the procedure required to implement this use case:

Use the “A0” command to activate the SoftAP:

i. Access Point is activated.

ii. DHCP is activated.

iii. Web server is activated.

iv. DNS is activated.

User selects “ Direct Connect” on the broadcasted Webpage:

i. Access Point continues to run and manage the SoftAP.

ii. DHCP continues to run.

iii. Web server is shutdown, but SoftAP remains visible.

Multiple clients may now connect to the SoftAP.

In summary the “Direct Connection” allows the embedded eS-WiFi to run as a SoftAp with the following capabilities:

Arrow Electronics will distribute Inventek System’s portfolio of high-performance, low-power, Wi-Fi modules offering an FCC certified Wi-Fi solution with simple embedded serial-to-Wi-Fi connectivity. With an on-board microcomputer running the networking protocols including the TCP/IP stack, seamless connectivity is accomplished using simple AT Commands. Inventek’s WiFi modules are an ideal solution for manufacturers who are looking to add wireless connectivity to their products but do not have extensive Wi-Fi and RF experience. The adoption rate of Wi-Fi embedded connectivity is surging and includes applications such as home appliances, healthcare equipment, industrial control and cloud based services.

“Arrow’s world-class, global sales team and engineering and support infrastructure gives us an important sales channel at a critical stage of our growth. With the surging demand for embedded Wi-Fi solutions, we look forward to supporting and expanding our penetration into this market,” said Martin Tierney, Chief Executive Officer for Inventek Systems.

About Inventek Systems, Inc.
Inventek Systems is a privately held, USA-based, full-service wireless solutions provider focused on 802.11 WiFi embedded solutions, GPS embedded modules and antennas. A wide spectrum of standard and custom embedded products are offered ranging from low cost system-in-a-package (SIP) products to modular based custom solutions. Inventek provides a unique set of services from consulting to custom design to cost effective high volume manufacturing.
Inventek Systems products are used in a wide range of consumer, industrial, and defense based applications. Inventek’s eS-WiFi products are enabling customers around the world to add WiFi connectivity and GPS features at a quickening pace with minimal design effort.